Thoughts from Steve

A few years ago, I was running late to a management meeting at one of our communities when I came across a resident sitting quietly alone in the lobby with a sad look on her face. At first, I hurried past her, the pending meeting still on my mind. But then thoughts started running through my head – why did she look so sad? “Did she not get what she needed at breakfast?” “Was our shuttle service running late or unable to get her where she needed to go?” This was enough to make me turn around and reach out to her. After all, as president of Senior Village Management, I was sure I’d find a way to fix whatever problem she might have.

I sat beside her and introduced myself. Her name was Catherine—and she started telling me her story. Unfortunately, Catherine wasn’t sad about breakfast, the shuttle or any other services related to living in our community. She was a new resident, and she had just left her home of 60 years, the place where she had raised her family, celebrated Christmases and watched her grandchildren take their first steps. My heart ached for Catherine, and made me think of my own mother and all she had done for me.

After chatting for awhile, I excused myself and headed into my meeting. We were scheduled to discuss property maintenance, but that’s not how things turned out. Instead, we explored how we could further express our passion for serving residents, not just by providing them with beautiful housing and great meals, but by truly living the philosophy of putting our residents first—and loving and caring for them as if they were our own family.

I believe it is because we live and breathe this philosophy that Senior Village Management has received the 2011 Great Lakes Area Star (GLAStar) Award for Management Company of the Year, awarded to us by none other than our peers, the Property Management Association of Michigan (PMAM). Members of PMAM include professionals across the entire Michigan property management industry, and their recognition certainly means the world to me as well as our staff across all 13 Independence Village communities throughout Michigan and Ohio.

I’m truly humbled by this award. This achievement is a recognition of both our hardworking staff and a management team that tirelessly lives the Senior Village Management philosophy day in and day out. But, I am also very thankful to my dear friend, sweet Catherine.

Catherine—thank you for reminding me of what’s truly important. We are better today because of you.

And thanks to GLAStar for the award —it only drives us to continue leading with our hearts as we serve our residents and their families.

Warmest wishes,

Steve Falcone
President